10 Iconic Mid-Century Modern Chairs Every Collector Should Know
The definitive guide to the most collectible MCM chairs — Eames, Wegner, Jacobsen, and more — with US stores that stock authentic pieces.
Posted on:
Apr 14, 2026
8 min read
Mid-century modern chairs are the entry point for most MCM collectors — and often the anchor piece of a room. From the sculptural curves of a Hans Wegner to the engineered comfort of the Eames Lounge, these designs have defined modern seating for over 70 years. Here are the 10 chairs every collector should know, what makes them authentic, and the US stores where you can still find originals today.
1. Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman (1956)
Designer: Charles & Ray Eames
The crown jewel of American MCM. Rosewood or walnut shells, leather cushions, Herman Miller label. Authenticate by the embossed medallion under the base.
Find authentic Eames at Modern Hill Furniture Warehouse in Chicago, Teak New York in Brooklyn, or American Period Furniture in Atlanta.
2. Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair (LCW, 1945)
Designer: Charles & Ray Eames
The democratic masterpiece that preceded the molded-plastic line. Compound-curved plywood, rubber shock mounts. Check for Herman Miller or Evans Products markings.
Browse at Mid Century Mobler in San Francisco or Humboldt House in Chicago.
3. Wishbone Chair (CH24, 1949)
Designer: Hans J. Wegner
Wegner's most-copied design. Hand-woven paper cord seat (120+ meters per chair), Y-shaped back. Only Carl Hansen & Søn are authorized producers.
Danish Concepts International in San Francisco and Fuchs Furniture in Boston specialize in Danish modern.
4. Egg Chair (1958)
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Swivel base, enveloping shell. Fritz Hansen is the sole authentic producer.
Furnish Me Vintage in Nashville and Danish Concepts International in SF regularly stock Fritz Hansen.
5. Swan Chair (1958)
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Egg's sibling, also from the SAS Hotel commission. Sculptural one-piece shell, aluminum cruciform base.
Check OAM in Brooklyn or Switch Modern in Atlanta.
6. Womb Chair (1948)
Designer: Eero Saarinen
Commissioned by Florence Knoll with the brief "a chair you can curl up in." Fiberglass shell, foam cushions, Knoll label on base.
KCC Modern Living in the Bay Area and Denver Modern Showroom carry Knoll classics.
7. Chieftain Chair (1949)
Designer: Finn Juhl
Juhl's sculptural tour de force — teak frame, leather seat, carved like a ceremonial throne. House of Finn Juhl produces the authorized reissue.
Danish Concepts International in SF and Teak New York are strong Danish-modern sources.
8. Panton Chair (1960)
Designer: Verner Panton
The first single-piece molded plastic chair. Cantilevered S-curve. Vitra is the authentic producer.
DWR Fulton Market in Chicago and Roche Bobois Seattle stock contemporary European classics.
9. Papa Bear Chair (1951)
Designer: Hans J. Wegner
Nicknamed for its enveloping "bear hug" silhouette. Teak paws, buttoned upholstery. AP Stolen originals are highly collectible; Carl Hansen reissues are licensed.
Fuchs Furniture in Boston and Danish Concepts in SF.
10. Milo Baughman Recliner 74 (1968)
Designer: Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
The American answer to Scandinavian lounge seating. Chrome base, plush leather. Thayer Coggin still produces the 74.
Modern Hill Furniture Warehouse in Chicago and Uptown Modern in Austin specialize in American MCM.
Find your MCM chair
Ready to start collecting? Browse our directory of 232 authenticated MCM stores across 20 US cities — each vetted for authentic vintage and reproduction pieces.
